[SAump]

"As the evolution of the glove progressed, the National League and American Association of Base Ball Clubs instituted a rule in 1895 which stated, "The catcher and the first baseman are permitted to wear a glove or mitt of any size, shape or weight. All other players are restricted to the use of a glove or mitt weighing not over ten ounces, and measuring in circumference around the palm of the hand not over fourteen inches." This would be the rule for the rest of the 19th century. Also in 1895, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Bid McPhee, the last of the bare-handed players, opened the season on April 16, wearing a glove."

A catchers mitt will outlast, outprotect and outperform a fielders glove over the course of a game and a season. That said, catching w/out a mitt is like bowling with an 8 or 10 ounce bowling ball, playing tennis with an old wood racquet, and going fishing with a cane pole. An average adult would probably choose the latest available standards of modern sporting equipment. Get that fielder's glove outta there.